Events and Economic Sustainability: A Critical Commentary

Abstract

This critical commentary focuses on the research in Event Management on economic sustainability and events. We begin with a broad definition of an economically sustainable event that builds on economic impact to include social equity, liveability and community well-being, and accounts for environmental and social costs. We consider the methods, approaches and types of events represented in the journal which lack diversity. The findings indicate that quantitative approaches predominate, focused on the direct and indirect contributions of visitor expenditure. Social, natural, and community capital have received less attention. The review calls for greater consideration of the economic sustainability of events beyond the tourism contribution; longitudinal studies on the impacts of events on the economic well-being of communities; understanding how events impact equity; correcting research bias towards Western developed economies by examining different contexts; exploring multiple event types; and investigating the role of planning in realising economically sustainable events.